On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Jeff and Brian are joined by returning guest Bill Yohnka, the Executive Director of the Kankakee Riverfront Society. The conversation delves into the intricacies of leadership, exploring Bill’s role in spearheading the development of Kankakee’s riverfront. Bill shares his passion for the community, emphasizing the transformative potential of the Currents of Kankakee.

The episode covers the progress the Kankakee Riverfront Society has made, discussing grants, community support, and collaborative efforts. Jeff, Brian and Bill explore the future possibilities, addressing challenges and milestones in the journey toward groundbreaking. Bill sheds light on the crucial but often unseen foundational work, highlighting his community outreach role in ensuring progress.

Listeners gain valuable leadership insights from Bill’s dedication to inclusive development, emphasizing the societal benefits beyond riverfront property. As the episode concludes, Bill invites the community to support the Kankakee Riverfront Society, emphasizing the impact the project can have in attracting people to the city.

If you’d like to get involved, visit thecurrentsofkankakee.com for more information, and be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don’t miss future conversations with great leaders!

Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don’t miss future conversations with great leaders!

Meet Your Guest

Bill Yohnka

Bill Yohnka, who many have dubbed “Mr. Kankakee,” currently serves as the Executive Director of the Kankakee Riverfront Society. Previously, he has served as Economic Development Director for the City of Kankakee as well as The Community Engagement Specialist for Kankakee School District #111.

Yohnka is also a morning radio host for X-Country 106.5 FM on top of also serving as the announcer at the Kankakee County Motor Speedway. A lifelong Kankakee resident, Yohnka hopes to leave his hometown better than how he found it.

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Host

Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.